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VICTORY V? (new2) 04/04/2014

Volvo's five-door V40 has proved to be a credible entrant in the premium compact hatch sector against cars like BMW's 1 Series and Audi's A3. Now it's been facelifted and made even more efficient. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

As with most things in life, the best products take what seems a complicated bunch of requirements and reduce them to something very simple and elegant. The improved, facelifted Volvo V40 is just such a car. The Swedish company has built a premium five-door family hatch that looks great, drives well, makes sense on the balance sheet and which has an amazing amount of safety equipment built into it. It really is as good as it looks, especially with a set of highly efficient 'Drive-E' engines beneath the bonnet.

Background

Traditionally, Volvos have been better when they've been bigger. It's not that the Swedish brand hasn't tried its hardest with compact, more affordable models. On the contrary, it has a heritage in such designs stretching all the way back to the PV51 of 1936. None though has been what you'd call desirable, unless for you, desire is a virtue that's safe, solid and sensible. Here though, is a car that is. The improved V40 premium family hatch.
Despite the 'V' designation, traditionally used by the brand to reference estate cars, this is a Focus-sized family hatch - but a rather posh one, aimed at the top end of this segment where you'll find premium models like BMW's 1 Series, Audi's A3 and the Mercedes A-Class. It's job is to take on these elite rivals, a task that's been made easier since the introduction of a series of petrol and diesel engines from Volvo's efficient 'Drive-E' range. Now the car's been smartly facelifted too. Let's check it out.

Driving Experience

Here's a hatch clearly developed by people who care about driving and it delivers a very good compromise indeed of absorbent ride and assured handling composure. So much so that I've begun to question the 'less is more' mantra I tend to apply to the brand's other models when it comes to engine output. There's not much point in having loads of power in a car that handles like a pudding. This one though, can cope with a bit more, which is why it's worth opting for the fastest of the three diesel engines on offer, the 190bhp D4. Rest to 62mph here takes 7.4s en route to 143mph. All the diesel units available are now from the brand's frugal 'Drive-E' family of engines, all 2.0-litre units. The D3 develops 150bhp, while the entry-level D2 manages 120bhp.
Low mileage buyers need to factor in the possibility of petrol power too, especially if they don't like the rather clattery diesel noise you get on start-up. This option is particularly worth considering now that Volvo has extended its 'Drive-E' engine family down into lower-powered models. Manual gearbox T2, T3 and T4 variants use this technology allied with 2.0-litre power, generating either 122, 152 or 190bhp. Rather curiously, if you opt for either the T3 or T4 derivatives with an automatic gearbox, you get a completely different 1.5-litre engine, though its still just as powerful and efficient. At the top of the range, the T5 variant already had 'Drive-E' 2.0-litre technology, in this case allied only with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and putting out a lusty 245bhp. Go for the 'Cross Country' model and there's the option of AWD traction for this variant too.

Design and Build

This facelifted V40 gets a smarter front end, courtesy of the addition of revised LED headlamps that feature the so-called 'Thor's Hammer' style that's already been seen in the brand's larger XC90, S90 and V90 series models. A smarter grille mesh completes the more confident look. As before, the V40 has a relatively low and sleek bonnet line: that's because courtesy of a unique under-bonnet airbag, it doesn't have to leave an under-bonnet void to meet pedestrian impact legislation. So the bonnet line can be much lower, part of a lean, wide coupe-like stance in a shape very slightly longer and wider than rival BMW 1 Series or Audi A3 models.
Pleasantly different then, an observation equally applicable in the cabin. Of course it needs to be good if sales are to be stolen from rival German prestige-badged contenders, a tough assignment tackled with an unpretentious 'Designed Around You' philosophy epitomised by a beautifully positioned infotainment screen that, once you've figured out its complicated menus, enables you to deal with audio, navigation, 'phone and other functions almost without taking your eyes off the road. The idea is that, like IKEA furniture, this cabin should be typically Scandinavian, comfortable, simple, intuitive and visually pleasing. And broadly it is. Cabin space is fine and there's a 335-litre boot.

Market and Model

As before, prices sit in the £20,000 to £35,000 bracket. Buyers also get the option of finding a £1,000 model-for-model premium for the 'Cross Country' variants with their SUV-style bodystyling. To put the V40's overall pricing into perspective, for one of these, you're looking at a comparable model-for-model premium of around £1,500 over what you'd pay for a mainstream Focus or Astra in the family hatchback sector. It's not these cars that Volvo is really targeting with the V40 though. The brand would prefer to be stealing sales from much posher so-called 'premium' compact hatches, cars like the BMW 1 Series, the Audi A3 and the Mercedes A-Class. That's quite a big ask as this V40's pricing isn't really much different to any of these cars. What is different though, is the spec you get as part of the deal.
All models come with alloy wheels, electronic climate control that also cools the glovebox, plus leather-trim for the gear knob and for a steering wheel that has audio controls for an eight speaker stereo with USB and iPod inputs, operable via the same 5-inch colour screen you can use to set up the Bluetooth connection for your 'phone. This display can also use Volvo's Sensus infotainment and navigation system. Within the range, you can also opt for a 'Cross Country' trim level, offering mildly SUV-style looks for a modest premium. Either way, safety-wise, there's a world first - an under-bonnet airbag that springs out to protect pedestrian in the event of an impact.
Plus of course, you get all the usual basics. That means dual-stage front airbags on both sides, side airbags, a knee 'bag for the driver, inflatable curtains, ISOFIX childseat fastenings, a Roll-Over Protection system, the WHIPS anti-whiplash system and, to hopefully make sure you'll never need all that, the DSTC Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system, the usual ABS braking assistance, Corner Traction Control, Engine Drag Control to stop the wheels from locking during engine braking on a slippery surface and even a Trailer Stability Assist system if you've fitted a towbar. If you want the safest car in the family hatchback class, you're looking at it right here.

Cost of Ownership

If you want the reason why more than 60% of all UK V40 customers will end up buying the least powerful 120bhp D2 diesel variant, then you don't have to look far to find it. This model is capable of a headline-grabbing 83.1mpg on the combined cycle and an 89g/km of CO2 reading that'll side-steps the need for road tax and payment of the London congestion charge. I should point out that the super-frugal returns I'm talking about only apply if this V40 is fitted with an appropriately weedy set of wheels and tyres. Bigger sizes have quite an impact on those figures, so be warned.
Step up to the 150bhp D3 and it's not as if you've entered a world of big bills either. That averages 74.3mpg and emits a mere 99g/km of CO2. I'd be looking at the 190bhp 2.0-litre D4 variant though. Like its two lesser-powered range stablemates, this diesel uses Volvo's clever 'Drive-E' technology to achieve an impressive 99g/km of CO2 and 74.3mpg on the combined cycle. The same technology allows the 2.0-litre 245bhp petrol automatic T5 variant to 137g/km of CO2 and a combined fuel figure of 47.9mpg.
And the more affordable petrol models? Well both the 120bhp T2 and the 150bhp T3 get latest-generation Drive-E technology in 2.0-litre form when equipped with a manual gearbox. In automatic guise though, they come with 1.5-litre units that are still notably clean and frugal, both managing 51.4mpg on the combined cycle and 129g/km of CO2.

Summary

With the V40, Volvo has brought its brand up to date - and continues to do so. More fashionable styling clothes some serious safety in a very assured piece of design further improved by Volvo's own 'Drive-E' 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. Gothenburg has taken on the Germans before - but never like this. In the premium compact hatch segment, only BMW's 1 Series can out-handle this car - and that's only because of its rear wheel drive, a layout Volvo thinks is better suited to Silverstone than Surbiton. In any case, careful development of this car's dynamic Focus-inspired underpinnings has left us with a car an enthusiast might still enjoy.
Which is a surprise. But then, much about this car is. Efficient yet characterful, stylish yet sensible, it ought to appeal far beyond Volvo's core customer base. It ought to, but it may not. BMW, Audi, Mercedes - even Alfa Romeo customers: they're all pretty parochial. They shouldn't be. A drive in one of these would blow away quite a few prejudices. Whoever would have thought it?

SWEDE DREAMS (family) 26/02/2016

June Neary is surprised by Volvo's premium compact hatch, the V40

Will It Suit Me?

I've never really seen myself as a Volvo owner. But then, I've never really seen a compact car from this brand that I'd really want to own. Until now. The latest version of the brand's V40 premium compact hatch aims to do battle with cars like Audi's A3 and BMW's 1 Series. And I thought it sat very snugly in my driveway..

Practicalities

With this Volvo, the idea is that, like IKEA furniture, the cabin should be typically Scandinavian, comfortable, simple, intuitive and visually pleasing. Even my kids thought it was. This facelifted V40 gets a smarter front end, courtesy of the addition of revised LED headlamps that feature the so-called 'Thor's Hammer' style that's already been seen in the brand's larger XC90, S90 and V90 series models. A smarter grille mesh completes the more confident look.
As for practicalities, well yes, the storage space on offer is certainly better by some rivals (the door bins are tiny for example), some of the stalks could feel a bit more substantial and the trademark 'floating' centre console has rather too many small buttons on it, but these details apart, the overall effect is far more successful than anything Volvo has managed to date, the eye drawn to slick (but unfortunately optional) detailing such as the frameless rear view mirror and the translucent gear selector.
One of the nicest touches that's worth shelling out a little extra for is the hi-tech TFT instrument display. With the flick of a switch, you can choose between three different dial layouts - an green back-lit 'eco' setting to help you drive more economically, a red back-lit 'performance' mode to better suit for spirited driving and the more usual amber back-lit 'elegance' setting for more comfort-orientated day-to-day motoring. I'd also want to tick the box for the lovely 'theatre lighting' which can be adjusted through seven mood themes, from red to blue.
You can get carried away with things like this and forget more crucial considerations. The seats for example. It's remarkable how little importance we attach to the things we'll be sitting on in our cars, given that we'll be spending many hundreds or thousands of hours in the things, and down the years Volvo has quietly earned a reputation for making the comfiest chairs in the business. This V40 continues that form line with what have to be the most supportive yet wonderfully pillowy seats in the family hatch sector.

Behind the Wheel

You don't usually buy a Volvo to corner on your door handles. Even so, I was expecting an assured performance at the wheel, given that this car has Ford Focus underpinnings. All the diesel units available are now from the brand's frugal 'Drive-E' family of engines, all 2.0-litre units. The D3 develops 150bhp, while the entry-level D2 manages 120bhp. I opted to try the 190bhp D4.
Drive-E technology also now extends into the petrol range. Manual gearbox T2, T3 and T4 variants use this technology allied with 2.0-litre power with manual models, generating either 122, 152 or 190bhp. Rather curiously, if you opt for either the T3 or T4 derivatives with an automatic gearbox, you get a completely different 1.5-litre engine, though it's still just as powerful and efficient. At the top of the range, the T5 variant gets the 2.0-litre Drive-E engine with 245bhp and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Go for the 'Cross Country' model and there's the option of AWD traction for this variant too.

Value For Money

Most V40 models are sold in the £21,000 to £25,000 bracket, though it is possible to pay over £30,000 for one if you choose the top petrol T5. There's also the option of an SUV-like 'Cross Country' bodystyle for a premium of around £1,000. That's the same sort of bracket you'd be looking at for a rival BMW 1 Series or Audi A3. Were I an owner, I'd also want to take advantage of a very clever free mobile app developed for this car. This will help you locate your V40 in a crowded car park, remotely lock or unlock the doors, tell you if the alarm's been activated, update you on fuel level and range and even give you detailed data on every trip undertaken in the last forty days. This all comes courtesy of the advanced telematics that drive the Volvo 'On Call' system, operable where satellite navigate has been specified. Via this, you can call for help in a breakdown or accident situation: in fact, the system will contact the emergency services automatically if the airbags are triggered. It'll even help the police locate your car if it's stolen.
It's all part of a proactive approach to safety that really sets this car apart from its rivals, appropriate from a company that has, since its creation in 1927, prioritised safety, pioneering everything from the three-point seatbelt to side impact airbags. Today, the Gothenburg goal is that by the year 2020, no one anywhere should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car. Quite a target when you consider that at present, in China alone, around 600 people die on the roads every day.
Achievable? You start to believe in it when you begin to examine the rosta of safety kit developed for V40 customers. This includes the world's first pedestrian airbag, installed beneath the bonnet to spring out and protect an unfortunate victim's head. More common safety stuff includes dual-stage front airbags on both sides, side airbags, a knee 'bag for the driver, inflatable curtains, ISOFIX childseat fastenings, a Roll-Over Protection system, the WHIPS anti-whiplash system and, to hopefully make sure you'll never need all that, the DSTC Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system, the usual ABS braking assistance, Corner Traction Control, Engine Drag Control to stop the wheels from locking during engine braking on a slippery surface and even a Trailer Stability Assist system if you've fitted a towbar. The list then, goes on and on. Also fitted to all models is a 'City Safety' system, there to avoid low speed urban accidents, courtesy of a radar system that scans the road ahead, warns you if a collision is imminent and can even brake for you at speeds of up to 31mph.

Could I Live With One?

There's little doubt that the V40 is Volvo's most class-competitive model for years. My family were surprised by just how appealing it was - safe, fast, comfortable and good to drive. Like the compact German premium hatches it competes against, it's not cheap, but quality rarely is. If you've never considered a small Volvo before, then this might be the time to do it.

Volvo V40 average rating: 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:Very solidly built Volvo V40. The drive is amazing as I use this car for work. I travel up and down motorways and within cities and it's effortless to drive. Car scores 10/10 on performance. 10/10 on equipment and user friendly access. 8/10 on style and 8/10 on interior style. There are slightly more luxurious interiors and finishing materials used by other manufacturers. If Volvo update the interior to mirror their newer larger XC series then it would get a 10/10.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:The Volvo V40 is a car which is really good for local driving, nippy and robust. The drive is solid and I would call this a firm ride. The rear vision is not great, however this is more than made up with the excellent side mirrors and rear view camera which is a must! The info system is easy to use and gives you all you need, sat nav, dab radio, bluetooth connection etc. I also opted for the winter pack which again is needed here in the UK. Overall a very good hatchback car which is safe, secure and reliable.

Volvo V40 Reviews

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:This is the third Volvo I have owned and they are getting better each time. Great style and comfort and having the T3 speed as well. My only complaint is an intermittent fault with interior dashboard lighting - otherwise very pleased. Sales team's Ben was very helpful and spent a great deal of time with him - 10/10 - now looking at a car for the wife, an XC4O.

User rating: 5/5

User rating: 5/5

User comment:I absolutely love this car. It is extremely comfortable, high quality finish. Solid, sturdy, smooth, quiet and very responsive. Had many makes/models of cars as my late husband was in the motor trade. Audi, Mazda, Peugeot, Land Rover/Range Rover just to name a few, but never a Volvo before. I would throughly recommend - well impressed. Exceptional customer service from Ben, very informative and attentive to detail. Well done Volvo Gatwick, you done well!

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:The car is brilliant. This car has satellite navigation which, on the last trip, saved me a whole lot of time, an engine temperature gauge and shows the distance still to be driven til the next fill-up. Also, the handbook details are built into the the on-board computer - particularly useful to me as I can't find the black thick folder consisting of the handbook, the quick review of the handbook and a book detailing service history - I can't find this anywhere! I'm praying it turns up as it is expensive to replace. But the CAR - Brilliant.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:It's a great car and I am really enjoying it. It is comfortable and you can see well. The heated windscreen was great during the very cold weather, heated seats plus cool air have both coped well with the weather in winter and summer.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:Very comfortable driving position and instrument layout is excellent. Road handling is also excellent with smooth ride albeit on 17in wheels. The downside is a fair bit of road noise due to 17in wheels, I feel. Rear view restricted due to wide rear pillars and rear seat headrests.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:Our Volvo V40 is not disappointing, the D3 engine is very responsive and the comfort is excellent. Overall we are very pleased with this car and would buy another V40, we feel very safe in the car.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:We recently purchased a Volvo V40. We are really enjoying using the car. It is comfortable, economic and safe. The car comes with multiple features controlled by onboard computers. I would have preferred the option of hard copies of the manuals for those features but am managing with the online versions.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:A great car that is very comfortable to ride, is quiet yet powerful. It has completely broken the stereotypes of Volvos that I knew from when I was growing up. Really pleased with the car and it is a pleasure to drive.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:The model V40 T.2 is the third Volvo car I have purchased. It is certainly very well built, with really comfortable seats, easily adjustable, lots of space for luggage, folding seats for shifting larger household items, good satellite navigation relatives tell me, clear controls and easy access to the button to close down the stop-go system. I have learnt the stop-go system, being stuck in a Purley Cross hold up, though usually I don't bother. The car is more powerful than the S40 I owned for 18 years plus, which is still going fine, and I've given this away so it continues to be used. As the new V40 T2 is a two litre car, with very strong acceleration, I have had to be especially careful not to exceed the speed limit, but after 250 miles one adjusts to the acceleration potential. Also, as a definite plus, is the rear view picture when reversing. This is the sort of addition that would be helpful on all cars. I would just add that the Doves dealership in Croydon were extremely helpful in ordering and delivering the new V40 T.2, and I would definitely rate the salesperson and the lady from the accounts department, Deborah, as excellent for their efforts in handling this purchase.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:In the past I have always favoured German cars because of the build quality. The V40 I have just bought FAR exceeds that of the Volkswagens and Audis I have previously owned. And for me this makes it a joy to drive. The comfort is fantastic, and it is fully loaded with toys. It has more than enough power, without being "in your face". I am delighted with it.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:We took delivery of our new V40 T3 Inscription a few weeks ago. It is a lovely car and meets our requirements. Very comfortable drive. Spacious inside, but a larger boot would have been useful. All controls are easily accessible and self explanatory. Air conditioning operates within seconds.

User rating: 4/5

User comment:My new V40 R Design is superb. It exceeded my expectations. Having owned a V50 and S40 previously I knew I would get a great car, but the ride and quality certainly match those of the top mark equivalents. The D2 engine is very economical but does need pushing quite hard to get close to testing the very good chassis. Overall the V40 D2 is superb to drive but you may need the D3 or D4 if you need a more spirited experience.

User rating: 4/5

User comment:Mostly car is good and driving excellent. Problems with media system in that it is complex and not intuitive, so is going to take me time to learn. Not able to transfer or store phone numbers using Bluetooth and may need advice from vehicle supplier at Preston.

User rating: 5/5

User rating: 5/5

User comment:I was unfamiliar with G force until I floored the accelerator in my new V40 D4. Then all the wrinkles in my face were smoothed out as I took off and felt like a young man once again. We all need a bit of acceleration from time to time in modern driving conditions and the V40 does not disappoint. A high quality piece of engineering that you would expect from Volvo and they have delivered.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:The Volvo V40 is great to drive, very comfortable and stylish, but the one thing I think is missing is on both front seat runners the bolts next to the console have no covers - I know this is only minor, but to me it would be a nice finishing touch to have them.

User rating: 3.5/5

User comment:Juicy around town but better on motorway. Firm drive as feel every bump. Rear suspension very squeaky although this can probably be rectified. Nice looking car inside and out. Many blind spots. Overall I am pleased.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:I am very pleased with my new V40. The good experience started on meeting with Sales Consultant Nigel Livingstone when I visited the show room in February to discuss purchasing a Volvo. I had a test drive in a V40 and, subsequently, decided to purchase a new one. Amanda Jones was also very helpful with the purchase, and with financial matters. It is a delight to drive, although I still have some learning to do with all the features that are available. Nigel gave me a good run down of all the common functions and controls before I drove it away and the quick guide has also proved useful. I am working my way through the Owner's Manual to familiarise myself with everything. I find it extremely comfortable and the layout is very intuitive. I would certainly recommend Doves Horsham for the help they gave me in helping me to decide what to purchase. It was a smooth process from the very beginning all the way through to 1st March when I picked up my car.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:The V40 is a quality car. The interior is spacious and well laid out, everything is to hand for the driver. It drives well too. Smooth and relaxed, power when you need it and good fuel economy ... a tank full lasts a long time.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:Having changed from a diesel V40 SE Lux to petrol V40 R-Design Pro I have noticed the difference in power and performance. Handles very well, has all the features of previous model with the addition of sat nav and am very happy with performance so far.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:I needed a second car for my wife and children. I wanted something safe and reliable. I have had 3 Volvo's and between them they have done 450,000 miles. The V40 mixes comfort with style and safety. Doves as a dealer, treated me as a valued customer and made the whole experience work well for us. Just be careful with the fuel economy figures in the brochures but this is the same for most cars out there. the reality is somewhat different from the book. But I am sure as with my XC60 it will improve once the car is run in.

User rating: 5/5

User comment:What a great Volvo V40. From the time they were launched a few years ago, we had decided that we would have this car when we first saw the the design. Fantastic car. We have owned Volvos for over 30 years, 240s, 740s, 940s, 850s, C70s, V70s. I have a V70 now the V40 is for my wife. Never had a problem with any of the dozen or so Volvos we have owned over the 30 years.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:I am now a Volvo V40 convert after exchanging my previous V40 with a newer upgraded D4 model and I am overall delighted with my new vehicle which has a refined drive, more power and a luxurious interior, finished with up to date technology with an onboard computer, sat nav, etc yet to read through the manual. However, I bought my car from the Volvo Selekt range and have learnt a lesson ... to test drive the car even if you think you know it. Despite the extra refinements it will be returned next month to sort out a number of issues including a very squeaky clutch and the lack of a rear fog light .... if only it was properly checked before they handed it over.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:I love my new Volvo V40 Cross Country Pro, it is a dream to drive, with more extras than I could ever ask for. It's smooth, easy to use and does all I ask it to with ease!! From start to finish it was an easy and pleasant experience. Mike Tighe at Preston who deals with Motability explained everything, gave us good advice on specifications and prices, accessibility etc which I've not had before. The support staff kept me posted on the progress of my order and arranged my first service for me on the day I collected my new car!! I would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a new car.

User rating: 5/5

Mrs Olivia Colett - 14/09/2016, owner of a Volvo V40 Se Nav T2 Auto

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:Very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. It would be better to have more detailed instructions in writing, the manual has nothing useful. Looking at My Car in the car or my ipad is a fiddle.

User rating: 5/5

User rating: 5/5

User comment:I love my V40 Cross Country, the car is very stylish, comfortable and a great drive, mine has the winter pack and driver safety features, I would recommend the V40 as a great car just go and test drive one.

User rating: 4.5/5

User comment:This is our second V40. We are absolutely over the moon with it. We elected to have an automatic box and a D4 this time. The gearbox is very smooth and that little bit more oomph from the engine is superb. It is a lot quieter than the D3. Overall the car is very comfortable and a delight to drive. Our only slight disappointment is that this car does not have the automatic dimming mirror that the last one had - which is an annoyance rather than a real performance drawback. Nonetheless, given that to add this as an extra is so relatively inexpensive in the scheme of things, we are very surprised that in this day and age Volvo have not specified this as standard equipment. With it this car wold have scored a 10. We were, as last time, really well looked after by Bill and Tony at the Blackburn dealership and we have no doubt that we will be coming back to you for our next car.

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